Ch.202202. Rebellion

Upon receiving an urgent communication from Briana, Gilbert expressed his intention to return to the Vatican immediately.

Normally, warp gates connecting to foreign countries required complex screening procedures.

Just like modern immigration checks, these were conducted thoroughly for security and safety reasons.

This was no different in the Holy Empire.

In fact, due to concerns about devil worshippers or heretics, the gates were managed even more strictly, meaning that even with an expressed intention to return immediately, a certain amount of time was still required.

However, Gilbert’s request was accepted with unbelievable speed.

Though internal discussions about recognizing him as a hero hadn’t concluded, he was treated as a provisional hero thanks to the Saint’s testimony.

Standing before the warp gate, Gilbert waited anxiously. He tried to contact Briana to inquire about the situation, but there was no response, suggesting things were developing rapidly.

“Sir Gilbert!”

“I’ll go ahead. Please contact me if you have any additional information.”

Veronica had come to the warp gate, likely having heard about Gilbert’s return. He took the opportunity to say goodbye, as he hadn’t had time to properly inform her due to his hasty departure preparations.

“What are you saying? If the hero is going, the Saint must go too.”

Veronica’s expression, devoid of any humor, looked at him as if he’d said something strange. There was a clear determination in her eyes to follow him.

Gilbert shook his head despite Veronica’s resolute demeanor.

“This time, I must go alone. With the current situation in the Empire unclear, it would be too dangerous for the Saint to go there.”

“I shall light the way for you. Even if there are thorny paths, you shall take a step forward because of me.”

“That’s…”

“Truly I tell you, those who walk boldly will find tomorrow. Those who cannot walk boldly will look back at yesterday and retreat.”

Gilbert immediately recognized that Veronica was quoting scripture from this world’s Bible. Though he wasn’t well-versed in theology, he could tell by the speech pattern alone.

“The Lord has already shown that my path is by your side, Sir Gilbert. It’s clear from the revelation He bestowed upon me while I was praying in the prayer room yesterday.”

“This is merely a struggle between humans. Even if it’s God’s will, it’s not appropriate for the Saint to get involved.”

“How can we know His intentions? We can only sense His providence after we’ve experienced everything.”

Gilbert fell silent at Veronica’s firm words.

The fact that the always-composed Briana had urgently contacted him showed just how critical the situation was.

He didn’t have time to continue this unproductive conversation indefinitely.

Though reluctant, he acquiesced to her accompaniment and waited for permission to use the warp gate.

“I’m sorry. All warp gates connecting to Infractus are currently blocked.”

A mage managing the Holy Empire’s warp gates approached, sweating profusely. He explained that the connection, which had been working fine until yesterday, was now unilaterally cut off.

Gilbert raised his hand to indicate it was alright to the rambling mage.

He knew this wasn’t the mage’s fault.

The closing of the warp gates suggests the rebels have begun their action.

Gilbert sighed.

As convenient as warp gates were, they became critical vulnerabilities during wartime. Even with limits on how many could travel at once, the ability to infiltrate over vast distances without constraints offered many strategic advantages.

Therefore, closing all warp gates was standard procedure when war broke out. He had rushed to the warp gate immediately after being contacted, but the closure suggested that the rebels had officially mobilized their forces.

What should I do now?

Gilbert began considering alternatives.

The capitals of the Holy Empire and the Infractus Empire were so far apart that traveling by carriage would take several months. Even using a warp gate to the closest city would still require at least a month of travel to reach the destination.

No. There’s one way.

Gilbert caught a thought that flashed through his mind.

Families holding the title of Margrave in the Infractus Empire each possessed a direct warp gate to the capital.

These gates could be used anytime with the permission of the Emperor or direct heir, allowing them to serve as shields of the Empire and protectors of the Imperial family during rebellions like the current one.

Naturally, the Hart County family, one of the current Margrave houses, also had such a direct warp gate. As they had protected the Empire’s borders for a long time, they maintained their direct warp gate meticulously.

Of course, to use this warp gate, one would need to go to Bismarck, the territory of the Hart County family. While all connections to Infractus were cut off, there were still ways to reach Bismarck.

“Can we go to the Orc territory of the Sigurd clan?”

“The connection to that place is still active.”

“Then please prepare the warp gate for that destination.”

“Please wait a moment!”

Orc, the direct territory of the Sigurd clan, faced Bismarck across a mountain range.

If they could take the warp gate there, the time to reach Bismarck would be reduced to within a day. Getting help from the Sigurd clan, now an allied nation after the peace treaty, wouldn’t be difficult.

Especially for Gilbert, who had led the peace efforts. After all, he had been accepted as a friend of the clan while working with Brynhild, the great warrior of the Sigurd clan.

“It’s ready. Would you like to go now?”

“Yes.”

Before heading to the warp gate, Gilbert turned to look at Veronica. She hadn’t even brought along her knight guard, Johan.

It seemed she had come secretly without informing him, which made Gilbert wonder if it was alright to proceed like this.

“Sir Johan will be fine.”

“I haven’t said anything yet.”

“Our hearts must be connected.”

“Aren’t you going secretly?”

“This is all the Lord’s guidance. It’ll be fine. Probably.”

Gilbert was bothered by the “probably,” but as mentioned earlier, he couldn’t afford to waste any more time.

With a deep sigh, he finally crossed the warp gate with the Saint. The aftermath would be complicated, but they had decided to go ahead.

Enveloped in bright light, they arrived at the Orc territory of the Sigurd clan in the blink of an eye.

“There will be a brief inspection.”

A dispatched mage from Orc appeared before Gilbert and Veronica.

With skin tanned under the hot sun, he looked different from other mages.

“I am Gilbert Lion Hart.”

“Gilbert Lion Hart…?”

The mage, who had been conducting the inspection as a formality, widened his eyes.

Among the items that warp gate operators were required to memorize, there was information related to Gilbert at the top of the duty list.

“P-please wait a moment.”

The mage hurriedly ran to the warp gate management office.

After about one or two minutes, the mage who had run to the office came rushing back with a man twice his size.

“So you are Sir Gilbert.”

“Do you know me?”

“I was one of the warriors who witnessed the Volsung Saga.”

Gilbert understood why the man before him had such shining eyes. For the warriors of the Sigurd clan, the Volsung Saga was both an ancient culture considered legendary and a sacred battlefield of honor.

Just witnessing it was considered one of the most honorable experiences, so it was natural for him to look at Gilbert, who had participated in the Volsung Saga, with eyes of respect.

“You were there.”

“Valor and honor. Being able to witness that epic firsthand was the honor of my life. The Great Chief also said that Sir Gilbert’s visits are always welcome.”

Gilbert hadn’t anticipated that the Volsung Saga would have such far-reaching influence, but it was fortunate for him in his urgent situation. Being able to bypass complex entry procedures was welcome news.

“That’s good. Then, can I head to the Akel Mountains right away? It might be an unreasonable request right after arriving, but time is of the essence.”

“The Great Chief has ordered that Sir Gilbert’s requests be given top priority. Thanks to you, we were able to resolve our food shortage without any sacrifices.”

“Please convey my gratitude to the Great Chief.”

“I need to report first, so could you wait a moment?”

Gilbert nodded in response.

The administrator warrior who went to report using a communication device returned after just a few minutes.

“Permission has been granted. You may proceed.”

“I see. Thank you.”

“Not at all. Oh, the Great Chief asked me to relay this message to you.”

“To me?”

Gilbert had encountered Great Chief Tarhal during the Sigurd clan raid main scenario, but they didn’t have significant interaction.

They had only met face-to-face a few times when establishing the peace treaty, so it was puzzling that he would have a message for Gilbert.

“He said he wants to see his nephew as soon as possible.”

“What?”

What is this about?

Gilbert raised an eyebrow.

The statement was so unexpected that he didn’t know how to respond.

Whether aware of this or not, the administrator warrior grinned.

“Brynhild has repeatedly stated she would marry the person who defeated her. And wasn’t there something she did before following you?”

Gilbert recalled his encounter with Brynhild at the Hart County residence.

In the dark night, illuminated by moonlight, Brynhild had cut off her long hair, which had been tightly tied back, and handed it to him.

This gesture signified both dedicating one’s life to a benefactor and declaring them as a lifelong partner.

Gilbert now understood why he was receiving special treatment and why the Sigurd clan warrior before him was being so hospitable.

“I wonder how strong a warrior the child between you two would be. I’d really like to see them if I get the chance.”

It seemed that among the Sigurd clan, Gilbert and Brynhild were already considered a married couple.

Gilbert, feeling cold sweat about to break out, couldn’t respond and simply headed toward the Akel Mountains.

With the administrator warrior’s help, Gilbert reached the entrance to the Akel Mountains, and he didn’t say a word until the warrior waved goodbye.

“Um, Sir Gilbert? Shouldn’t the hero be with the Saint instead?”

What is she talking about now?

Gilbert let out a long-held sigh as he looked at the pouting Veronica.

He couldn’t understand what all this commotion was about in such an urgent situation.